'Madam,' replied our hero--'you are, I presume, the mother of that much abused young lady up stairs. I see that you countenance the ruin of your daughter. I tell you to beware--for I shall take proper measures to expose your vileness, and have _her_ placed beyond the reach of your infernal schemes.' He then left the house followed by Radcliff. After proceeding a short distance, the latter paused, and said-- 'We can do nothing to-night, for we have no weapons, and to fight otherwise would scarce comport with the dignity of gentlemen. Meet me to-morrow morning, at the hour of six, upon this spot; bring with you a friend, and pistols; we will then repair to some secluded place, and settle our difficulty in honorable combat.' 'But what assurance have I that you will keep the appointment?' demanded Sydney; 'how do I know that this is not a mere subterfuge to escape me?' 'Young man, you do not know me,' rejoined Radcliff, and his breast swelled proudly. 'Do you think I'd resort to a base lie? Do you think that I _fear_ you? I confess I am a libertine, but I am a man of honor--and that honor I now pledge you that I will keep the appointment; for, let me tell you, that I desire this meeting as much as you do.' Strange inconsistency of terms!--'A libertine--but a man of _honor_!' This creed is preached by thousands of honorable adulterers. A seducer is of necessity a liar and a scoundrel--yet, forsooth, he is a man of _honor_! 'Very well, sir,' said Sydney--'I have no doubt you will come.' And with a cool 'good night,' they separated. The next morning early, at a secluded spot in Roxbury neck, four men might have been seen, whose operations were peculiar. Two of them were evidently preparing to settle a dispute by the 'code of honor.' The other two (the seconds) were engaged in measuring off the distance--ten paces. The morning was dark and cloudy, and a drizzling rain was falling. It was a most unpleasant season to be abroad, especially to execute such business as those four men had in hand. Sydney had chosen for his second 'the Doctor'; while Radcliff had brought with him a tall individual, whose countenance was mostly concealed by an enormous coat collar and muffler, and a slouched hat. Two cases of pistols had been brought, and as 'the Doctor' was an accomplished surgeon, it was deemed unnecessary to have the attendance of another.